Camelot

Audition Sides

The Aerospace Players

Mon Oct 23, Wed Oct 26,

Call-backs (as needed) Thurs 27 October 2011 General Auditions (Sides 1,2,3,5,8,11,12) Side 1 (Dinadan, Lionel, Merlyn)

Setting: Afternoon on a Hilltop near the Castle at Camelot. There is a large tree with great branches reaching high and out of sight, and a small hillock beyond the tree. A light snow is falling. SIR DINADAN is standing on the hillock, peering through a crude telescope into the distance. Around him can b seen Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, arranged decoratively.

DINADAN (A pompous young lord, easily astonished, suddenly quite astonished) My Sainted Mother! The carriage has stopped! Someone is getting out. A lady.

LIONEL Are you sure it's her carriage? (MERLYN enters. He is a rococo figure of a man, with a huge pointed hat; flowing, heavily embroidered robes; and the legendary apparel of wisdom-a long white beard)

DINADAN It's pure white. The horses are pure white. It's plainly and obviously a bridal carriage. (He rushes to MERLYN) Merlyn, here's a calamity. Guenevere's carriage has halted below the hill.

MERLYN I know. I remembered she would.

DINADAN But it was officially arranged for her to stop here at the top of the hill. Royal brides are always greeted atop the hill. What should we do?

MERLYN Dunce! Sound the trumpet, assemble the Court and march to the bottom. DINADAN (Stunned) It's wildly untraditional. MERLYN I hereby proclaim from this time henceforth that all new queens shall be met at the foot of the hill. There! A brand-new tradition! Does that solve it?

DINADAN (Placated) Sound the trumpet! We shall greet Lady Guenevere at the foot of the hill in traditional fashion. Side 2 (Arthur, Merlyn)

Setting: Afternoon on a Hilltop near the Castle at Camelot. There is a large tree with great branches reaching high and out of sight, and a small hillock beyond the tree. A light snow is falling. GUENEVERE's arrival – for an arranged marriage to the young Arthur – is imminent. As we see him here, ARTHUR is young, boyish, and impetuous.

ARTHUR (Frustrated by his own discomfort) Merlyn, why have you never taught me love and marriage?

MERLYN Don't scramble them together that way. They are two different things. Besides, I did give you a lesson once, but your mind was, as usual, elsewhere. You had better heed me well from now on. I shan't be here long.

ARTHUR Why not?

MERLYN I've told you, I'm due to be bewitched by a nymph named Nimue, who will steal my magic powers and lock me in a cave for several centuries.

ARTHUR Nimue! Fiddlesticks! Whenever you're displeased with me, you threaten with this creature Nimue.

MERLYN It's not a threat; it will happen.

ARTHUR When you know she is near, change yourself into a bat. (At his most youthful and charming) Merlyn, do you remember when I was a boy and you changed me into a hawk? What a feeling, sailing through the air! For old times' sake, do it again. Right this minute. One last soar through the sky.

MERLYN So you can soar through the sky to her carriage and see her through the window? No.

ARTHUR (Furious) Merlyn, there are times when I insist that you remember who I am. Make me a hawk, or I'll have your head cut off.

MERLYN It's you who keep forgetting who you are. Think of the joy you've brought to Camelot. A radiant young princess, never before out of her castle, come by treaty to bring peace between peoples. A royal marriage. A new Queen. And where is the King? Swinging in the trees. Thank heaven History never knew. Thank heaven Mallory and Tennyson never found out. Thank heaven your people are not aware of your behavior. Now go back to the castle, my boy. At once. (He exits)

ARTHUR (Rebelliously) My people indeed! As if they give a thought to what I'm doing tonight. (Shouting his defiance) Oh, good and loyal subjects of the Crown, are you really peering up at the castle with a question mark in each eye, churning to know how stands the King on his bridal eve, throbbing with curiosity about the King's humor on his prenuptial night? (Defeatedly) Yes, you are. That's precisely what you're doing. Every last, blessed one of you. Side 3 (Arthur, Guenevere)

Setting: Afternoon on a Hilltop near the Castle at Camelot. There is a large tree with great branches reaching high and out of sight, and a small hillock beyond the tree. A light snow is falling. GUENEVERE has arrived, has just sung “The Simple Joys of Maidenhood,” and ARTHUR has been secretly watching her from his hiding place in the tree. A branch cracks, and ARTHUR drops to the ground. GUENEVERE, startled out of her wits, runs.

ARTHUR A thousand pardons, Milady. Wait! Don't run.

(She stops in the corner of the stage and looks at him coweringly)

Please! I won't harm you.

GUENEVERE You lie! You'll leap at me and throw me to the ground.

ARTHUR (Amazed, protesting) I won't do any such thing. (He takes a step toward her. She takes a step backwards. He stops)

GUENEVERE Then you'll twist my arm and tie me to a tree.

ARTHUR But I won't.

GUENEVERE Then you'll sling me over your shoulder and carry me off.

ARTHUR No, no, no! I swear it! By the Sword Excalibur! I swear I won't touch you.

GUENEVERE (Hurt) Why not? (Sudden rage) How dare you insult me in this fashion. Do my looks repel you?

ARTHUR No. You're beautiful.

GUENEVERE Well, then? We're alone. I'm completely defenseless. What kind of a cad are you? Apologize at once.

ARTHUR (At once) I apologize. I'm not certain what I've done, but from the depths of my heart, I apologize.

GUENEVERE (With sudden wisdom) Ah! I think I know. You heard me praying.

ARTHUR I couldn't help it, Milady. You prayed rather loudly.

GUENEVERE And you know who I am.

ARTHUR You're Guenevere.

GUENEVERE Yes, of course. You're afraid because I may be your Queen. That accounts for your respectful, polite, despicable behavior.

ARTHUR Milady, I would never harm you for any reason. And as for what to do with you, I'm at a loss. I know you are to be Queen and I should escort you back to your carriage. At the same time, you're a maiden in genuine distress. It's chivalry versus country. I can't quite determine which call to obey.

GUENEVERE (Looking off toward the foot of the hill) You'd better decide quickly. They'll soon reach the carriage and discover I'm gone. Then all of Camelot will be searching for me. At least that will be exciting. Unless of course everyone in Camelot is like you and they all go home to deliberate.

ARTHUR (Thrown off balance, enamored, captivated, and overcome by a great sense of inadequacy) Oh, why isn't Merlyn here! He usually senses when I need him and appears. Why does he fail me now? Side 5 (Pellinore, Dinadan, Guenevere)

Setting: A garden near the Castle. It is lush with the green of spring, and fountains are playing among the trees. GUENEVERE and her Knights and Ladies, all in various shades of green, white and gold, are indulging choreographically in spring games. Amidst all this gaiety, PELLINORE, an old, weathered, rather confused, yet chamring fellow wearing rusty armor enters.

PELLINORE Forgive the interruption. Anyone here seen a beast with the head of a serpent, the body of a boar and the tail of a lion, baying like forty hounds?

DINADAN (Cowing forward) On your knees, Knight. (Indicating GUENEVERE) You are in the presence of Her Majesty Guenevere, Queen of England.

PELLINORE (To GUENEVERE) Oh, really? Howdyado, Your Majesty. Will have to forego the bending. Beastly hinges need oiling. Been sleeping out for eighteen years. Do forgive, what? Know it isn't proper, but there you are. I'll be with you in a minute. (Removes helmet) Oh, it stopped raining.

GUENEVERE (Amused) Who are you, Milord?

PELLINORE Name of King Pellinore. May have heard of me, what? What? What? (He looks around for recognition, which he does not receive) No matter. (To GUENEVERE) You say you haven't seen a beast with the head of a serpent, the body of a boar

GUENEVERE Please, I beg you, don't describe it again. It sounds much too revolting. We have not seen it.

PELLINORE Called the Questing Beast, what? The Curse of the Pellinores. Only a Pellinore can catch her; that is, or his next of kin. Family tradition. Train all the Pellinores with that idea in mind. Limited education, what?

GUENEVERE What?

PELLINORE What? By the way, where am I now?

GUENEVERE Don't you know?

PELLINORE Haven't the foggiest.

(A few members of the Court laugh. PELLINORE is now a little angry)

Oh, very easy to laugh, what? But nothing jocular about it to Yours Truly ... always mollocking about after that beastly Beast. Nowhere to sleep, never know where you are. Rheumatism in the winter, sunstroke in the summer. All this horrid armor that takes hours to put on. Then sitting up all night polishing the beastly stuff ... But I'm a Pellinore, amn't I? It's my fate. Oh, but sometimes I do wish I had a nice house of my own to live in, with beds in it, and real pillows and sheets. Oh, dear, what? Where did you say I was?

GUENEVERE I didn't, but I will.

PELLINORE Please do.

GUENEVERE You're in Camelot.

PELLINORE Thank you. Camelot? Side 8 (Lancelot, Guenevere, Arthur)

Setting: The Terrace. Early evening of the day of the jousts, at which LANCELOT has beaten three knights, and, having apparently killed the third, miraculously raises him from the dead. As LANCELOT departed, his eyes met GUENEVERE's; the first moment of their attraction – and ARTHUR witnessed it. As this scene begins, GUENEVERE is alone on stage, LANCELOT enters.

LANCELOT Forgive me, Milady. I didn't mean to disturb you, but I was told that Arthur wanted to see me.

GUENEVERE (As casually as possible) I believe he does. And you're not disturbing me at all. You are to be knighted.

LANCELOT (Troubled) When, Milady?

GUENEVERE This evening.

LANCELOT I wish he would not.

GUENEVERE Why?

LANCELOT I'm not worthy of it, Milady. I don't deserve it.

GUENEVERE Not deserve it, Lancelot! What greater wonder could you ever perform? Oh, no, I'm sure Arthur will insist. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must change for dinner. (She starts to leave) Do wait here. Arthur will be ...

LANCELOT (Quietly) Jenny, don't go. (She pauses, hearing him say her name for the first time, almost knowing what he is about to say) Jenny, I love you. God forgive me, but I do.

GUENEVERE God forgive us both, Lance.

LANCELOT I have known it since the first afternoon. Not when we met; but when I walked away. When …

(GUENEVERE turns to him. ARTHUR enters. She turns away)

ARTHUR Lance! What a stunning achievement, my boy! And the Court! You could almost hear everyone's heart break open to you. (Good-humoredly) Surely I may arrange for your knighthood now. Unfortunately, sainthood is not in my power.

LANCELOT I shall be honored, Arthur.

ARTHUR You both must hurry and dress. But before you do, I think we three should have a quiet drink together. If you'll make an exception, Lance. (He turns to the decanter and starts to pour the first glass) Do you have any idea the impact the miracle will have on the country?

(LANCELOT and GUENEVERE turn slowly toward each other as he pours, until their eyes meet. They take an involuntary step toward each other. ARTHUR twms back with one glass filled, and sees their look. He continues talking, looking from one to the other, feverishly, painfully)

When this is known, they'll be flocking to the Round Table from one end of England to the other ... from Scotland ... Wales ... and all those quests we've been planning for the Knights may not even be necessary ... I mean, when people hear ... what has happened at Camelot... they may lay down their arms and come of their own free will ... it's quite possible no one will bear arms at all any more ... and that there will really be peace ... all borders will disappear ... and all the things I dreamed ... I dreamed ... I dreamed ...

(His voice trails off in utter defeat, and he stands motionless in an abject trance) Side 11 (Mordred, Arthur)

Setting: The Main Terrace of the Castle. Beyond the flower-covered walls at the rear can be seen the green rolling hills of the English countryside. Far in the distance is the tree in which ARTHUR first hid so many years ago. It is afternoon, several years since LANCELOT was knighted, and since HE and GUENEVERE fell in love. MORDRED has just arrived and met ARTHUR and continues his manipulation of ARTHUR (continuation of preceding side).

MORDRED (Cheerfully) I bring you greetings, Your Majesty, from Queen Morgause and King Lot.

ARTHUR I trust your mother is well, Mordred.

MORDRED The Queen is splendid, thank you. As witchy as ever. Still beautiful, which of course she would be, with all her magic and sorcery. I've been wandering about the castle. I hope you don't mind. It's quite grand, really. I love the way you've mixed English with French. Very tasteful.

ARTHUR And King Lot?

MORDRED The King? Never happier. He was so delighted I left. He's always hated me, you know. Do you know what he did to me once? Mother had a youth potion that took off ten years. When I was nine, he gave it to me to make me minus one. I kept asking Mother why he disliked me so, and ...

ARTHUR (Acidly) What brings you to Camelot, Mordred?

MORDRED A desire of blood, Your Majesty. I have quite a family here, you know. My dear aunt, Morgan Le Fey, whom I've never seen.

ARTHUR (Pressing him) Nor has anyone else. The castle where she and her court live is quite invisible. It hardly seems reason for making this long journey.

MORDRED (Looking him square in the eye) And there's you, Your Majesty. As I was saying, I kept asking Mother why King Lot despised me so, and one day not long ago, she told me the marvelous news: he's not my father. How once, when she was visiting England, she met an attractive lad named Arthur, invited him to her room, and bewitched him for the night. Is that the way the story goes, Your Majesty?

ARTHUR Yes. That's the way the story goes, Mordred.

MORDRED You can imagine her surprise when later he became the King of all England.

ARTHUR (Sternly) Very well, Mordred. Now you are here. What are your plans?

MORDRED That's for you to decide, Your Majesty.

ARTHUR Very well. Then I shall tell you what I suggest, what I offer, what I wish. That you stay here and become a Knight of the Round Table. You have youth, brains and a proper heritage. Much could be done, if you apply yourself.

MORDRED How generous of you, Your Majesty! I can think of nothing that would ease me more than to win your confidence.

ARTHUR I'm certain of that. And I shall be watching carefully, very carefully, to see if you deserve it. (In full command) Tonight you will have dinner with the Queen and me, and we will try to know each other better. Tomorrow your training will begin. But I must warn you, Mordred, no favoritism will be shown. You must earn the right to knighthood by virtue and proper deeds.

MORDRED I shall try, Your Majesty.

ARTHUR Side 12 (Mordred, Morgan Le Fey)

Setting: A Forest near Camelot. At this moment, it is shrouded and obscure. It is late afternoon the following day. MORDRED is discovered with two large baskets of candy. He has come to forest searching for his aunt, MORGAN LE FEY, to enlist her help in trapping ARTHUR in the forest. As he calls into the forest, he darts from side to side, listening for an answer.

MORDRED Morgan Le Fey? ... Morgan Le Fey? ... Sister of my mother, it's I, Mordred, who comes to visit you ... Can you hear me, dear Aunt? ... Am I near your invisible castle? ... Am I, dear Morgan? ... dear sweet Aunt Morgan? ... dear sweet Queen Aunt Morgan? Can you not hear me?

MORGAN LE FEY (Her drawling, cooing voice is heard in the distance) Go away, Mordred. Go awayl You were a nasty little boy, and I'm told you've become a nastier little man.

MORDRED I beseech you, Your Majesty. Give me a moment of your time.

MORGAN LE FEY (Lazily irritated) Not now, Mordred. I am eating my dinner and shan't be finished till tomorrow.

MORDRED Then why should you be denied it, when all I ask is to play a prank on King Arthur?

MORGAN LE FEY King Arthur? Oh, Wart! I used to watch him from my invisible window out walking with Merlyn. He was a dear little boy. No. I do not wish to harm him.

MORDRED No harm.

MORGAN LE FEY You're the son of a wicked mother, Mordred, and I know you're up to mischief.

MORDRED No mischief at all. Just a delicious little game that will amuse you. Arthur is out hunting. Lure him to your forest, and detain him for the night.

MORGAN LE FEY Detain him for the night? No. Such games are for the afternoon. At night, I eat. And I'm more ravenous every minute.

MORDRED Please, dear Aunt? Make him drowsy and build a wall around him? The invisible kind you do so well.

MORGAN LE FEY No! I will not harm little Wart.

MORDRED What a pity! I have chocolates.

MORGAN LE FEY (A touch of excitement in her voice) Chocolates? You say you have chocolates?

MORDRED Hard candies and caramels! Cherry creams-with soft centers?

MORGAN LE FEY (Feverishly) Cherry creams with soft centers? Don't move, my darling nephew! Your darling aunt is on her way. Call-Backs Sides (Sides 6,7,9, 10*, 13*,4*) *Reserve only Side 6 (Lancelot, Guenevere, Arthur)

Setting: A garden near the Castle. It is lush with the green of spring, and fountains are playing among the trees. GUENEVERE and her Knights and Ladies, all in various shades of green, white and gold, are indulging choreographically in spring games. ARTHUR and LANCELOT arrive. They have just met, as LANCELOT approached Camelot, hoping to become a Knight of the Round Table. As the conversation begins, LANCELOT interrupts GUENEVERE several times and HER dislike for him quickly mounts, rising further as he discusses his own perfection.

LANCELOT (To GUENEVERE) I am honored to be among you, Your Majesty. And allow me to pledge to Her Majesty my eternal dedication to this inspired cause.

GUENEVERE (Slightly startled) Thank you, Milord. (To ARTHUR) How charming of you to join us, Arthur. This afternoon ...

LANCELOT This splendid dream must be made a universal reality!

GUENEVERE Oh, absolutely. It really must. Can you stay for lunch, Arthur? We're planning ...

LANCELOT I have assured His Majesty that he may call upon me at any time to perform any deed, no matter the risk.

GUENEVERE Thank you, Milord. That's most comforting. Arthur, we have ...

LANCELOT I am always on duty.

GUENEVERE Yes, I can see that. Can you stay, Arthur?

ARTHUR With pleasure, my love. (He seats himself) I want you to hear the new plan we've been discussing. Explain it, Lancelot.

LANCELOT To Her Majesty, Sire? Would Her Majesty not find the complicated affairs of chivalry rather tedious?

GUENEVERE (Frosting a bit) Not at all, Milord. I have never found chivalry tedious ... so far. May I remind you, Milord, that the Round Table happens to be my husband's idea.

LANCELOT Any idea, however exalted, could be improved.

GUENEVERE (Miffed) Really!

LANCELOT Yes. I have suggested to His Majesty that we create a training program for knights.

(GUENEVERE looks at ARTHUR)

ARTHUR Marvelous idea, isn't it?

LANCELOT (To ARTHUR) Yes, Your Majesty. There must be a standard established, an unattainable goal that, with work, becomes attainable; not only in arms, but in thought. An indoctrination of noble Christian principle. GUENEVERE Whose abilities would serve as the standard, Milord?

LANCELOT Certainly not mine, Your Majesty. It would not be fair.

GUENEVERE Not fair in what way?

LANCELOT I would never ask anyone to live by my standards, Your Majesty. (Overcome by his lot in life) To dedicate your life to the tortured quest for perfection in body and spirit. Oh, no, I would not ask that of anyone.

GUENEVERE Nor would I. Have you achieved perfection, Milord?

LANCELOT Physically, yes, Your Majesty. But the refining of the soul is an endless struggle.

ARTHUR (Into the breach) How was the Channel? Did you have a rough crossing?

GUENEVERE Now tell me a little of your struggle for the perfection of the spirit.

ARTHUR (Rising and coming between them) But I want you to hear about the training program, Jenny.

GUENEVERE I'm much more interested in his spirit and his noble Christian principles. Tell me, Milord, have you come to grips with humility lately?

LANCELOT (Not understanding) Humility, Your Majesty?

ARTHUR (Quickly) I think we had better discuss the training program elsewhere. Not here and not now. (To GUENEVERE) You look far too beautiful, my dearest, to have anything on your mind but frolic and flowers. (He kisses her hand) Come, Lance ... quickly!

(The QUEEN says nothing. LANCELOT bows)

LANCELOT Good day, Your Majesty.

GUENEVERE Good day to you, Milord. Side 7 (Lancelot, Guenevere)

Setting: Queen GUENEVERE'S bedchamber. LANCELOT has snuck in to visit the queen while Arthur is away for the night, but the two of them are struck with guilt at the thought of giving into their forbidden love.

LANCELOT (Desperately) Jenny, it's because we're here, here in Camelot that everything is so wretched.

GUENEVERE No, Lance.

LANCELOT Jenny, come away with me. To Joyous Gard. Let us have it open and above board at last.

GUENEVERE Lance, I've told you a thousand times I shall never leave Arthur. Ever. Now, let us say no more about it.

LANCELOT But this agonizing torment! Day after day, year after year. Would God I had your talent for acceptance, your invincible English calm!

GUENEVERE (Turning on him) Oh, the insensitivity of sensitive men! Always suffering so much they can suffer nothing for others. You think you're the only one in torment. I'm just as tortured, just as anguished as you. But what would you have us do to this man we both love? Run away! Leave him! Make him publicly miserable! Force him to declare war on you, where either one of you, if not both, would be killed, as well as hundreds of others. What sort of heart- breaking solution is that?

LANCELOT (HE pauses) Forgive me, Jenny. I shall never mention it again. I swear. Nor shall I come to you again. I swear that, too. (HE moves as if to leave)

GUENEVERE Lance?

(HE stops) Have we no more tender words to say to each other? Side 9 (Arthur)

Setting: The Grand Hall. Two thrones dominate the scene. Looking down on the hall and surrounding it, is a balcony. LANCELOT has just been knighted, and the court has left. ARTHUR is alone – and in great anguish. He knows that LANCELOT and GUENEVERE are in love, and that their love could threaten Camelot.

ARTHUR Proposition: If I could choose, from every woman who breathes on this earth, the face I would most love, the smile, the touch, the voice, the heart, the laugh, the soul itself, every detail and feature to the smallest strand of hair- they would all be Jenny's. (He takes a step forward) Proposition: If I could choose from every man who breathes on this earth a man for my brother and a man for my son, a man for my friend, they would all be Lance. (He steps forward. Then, with mounting bitterness) Yes, I love them. I love them, and they answer me with pain and torment. Be it sin or not sin, they betray me in their hearts, and that's far sin enough. I see it in their eyes and feel it when they speak, and they must pay for it and be punished. I shan't be wounded and not return it in kind. I'm done with feeble hoping. I demand a man's vengeance! (He steps forward violently, then stops, controlling himself. He takes a few thoughtful step across stage, then stops. When he continues. It's with a touch of confusion, and almost boyish innocence) Proposition: I'm a king, not a man. And a civilized king. Could it possibly be civilized to destroy what I love? Could it possibly be civilized to love myself above all? (he takes a hesitant step forward) What of their pain and their torment? Did they ask for this calamity? Can passion be selected? (His voice rising) Is there any doubt of their devotion ... to me, or to our Table? (He raises high the sword in his hand) By God, Excalibur, I shall be a King! This is the time of King Arthur, and we reach for the stars! This is the time of King Arthur, and violence is not strength and compassion is not weakness. We are civilized! Resolved: We shall live through this together, Excalibur ... They ... you … and I ... And God have mercy on us all. (The decision made, he becomes almost relaxed, almost at peace) They're waiting for us at the Table. (He starts to walk off) Let's not delay the celebration. Call-Backs (Reserve) Side 10 (Mordred, Arthur, Pellinore)

Setting: The Main Terrace of the Castle. Beyond the flower-covered walls at the rear can be seen the green rolling hills of the English countryside. Far in the distance is the tree in which ARTHUR first hid so many years ago. It is afternoon, several years since LANCELOT was knighted, and since HE and GUENEVERE fell in love. LANCELOT and GUENEVERE have just exited, in opposite directions.

(GUENEVERE exits with the Ladies. LANCELOT looks after her and exits. A young man enters from behind a column. His attire is foppish, his eyes mischievous, his smile wicked. His name is MORDRED. He casts a glance in the direction of GUENEVERE, and one in the direction of LANCELOT)

MORDRED Ah, Camelot. Where the King gives freedom and the Queen takes liberties. You poor things. Perhaps we can arrange a little rendezvous for you.

(ARTHUR'S voice is heard. MORDRED drops back and out of sight as ARTHUR enters)

ARTHUR (Entering) Lance! I have it solved ... (PELLINORE follows him. ARTHUR turns to him. He does not see MORDRED) Oh, I thought Lance was here, Pelly.

MORDRED (Coming forward, innocently) He just left, Your Majesty. He was here with the Queen.

PELLINORE (Outraged) You're not a member of this Court. How dare you enter these grounds unannounced!

MORDRED (Genially) But I was announced, Milord. Did the Chamberlin not say that there was a young man from Scotland who came with royal greetings?

PELLINORE And were you not informed all visitors were to return tomorrow afternoon?

MORDRED I shall be busy tomorrow afternoon.

PELLINORE By Jove, what impertinence! He shall be taught a lesson. (He reaches for his sword and takes a step in MORDRED'S direction)

MORDRED (Shrinking away in fear) Keep away! Don't touch me! I'm unarmed!

ARTHUR Call the guard, Pelly, and have this young ass thrown out.

MORDRED (Regaining his composure) That's not a very kind way to treat the son of Queen Morgause. (ARTHUR is stunned to the roots. He slowly turns and, almost fearfully, looks at MORDRED)

MORDRED (Delighted at the reaction) Yes, Your Majesty. I am Mordred.

ARTHUR (Shaken) Wait, Pelly. Mordred?

MORDRED (Bowing low) Your Majesty.

ARTHUR Leave us, Pellinore.

PELLINORE I shall be waiting nearby, if you need me, Arthur. (He exits)

Side 13 (Arthur, Tom O'Warwick)

Setting: A battlefield. ARTHUR and LANCELOTs armys are at war. ARTHUR stands alone on the battlefield. ARTHUR (He stands for a moment in silence. A rustling is heard behind a tent) Who's there? Who's there? Come out, I say! (A young boy, about fourteen, appears from behind the tent)

TOM Forgive me, Your Majesty. I was searching for the Sergeant of Arms and got lost. I didn't wish to disturb you.

ARTHUR Who are you, boy? Where did you come from? You ought to be in bed. Are you a page?

TOM I stowed away on one of the boats, Your Majesty. I came to fight for the Round Table. I'm very good with the bow.

ARTHUR And do you think you will kill people with this bow of yours?

TOM Oh yes, Milord. A great many, I hope.

ARTHUR Suppose they kill you?

TOM Then I shall be dead, Milord. But I don't intend to be dead. I intend to be a Knight.

ARTHUR (Caught) A Knight... ?

TOM Yes, Milord. Of the Round Table.

ARTHUR When did you decide upon this nonexistent career? Was your village protected by Knights when you were a small boy? Was your mother saved by a Knight? Did your father serve a Knight?

TOM Oh, no, Milord. I had never seen a Knight until I stowed away. I only know of them. The stories people tell.

ARTHUR From the stories people tell you wish to be a Knight? (A strange light comes into his eyes) What do you think you know of the Knights and the Round Table?

TOM I know everything, Milord. Might for right! Right for right! Justice for all! A Round Table where all Knights would sit. Everything!

(ARTHUR walks away. Then suddenly he turns to the boy with a strange inner excitement) ARTHUR Come here, my boy. Tell me your name.

TOM It is Tom, Milord.

ARTHUR Where is your home?

TOM In Warwick, Milord.

ARTHUR Then listen to me, Tom of Warwick. You will not fight in the battle, do you hear?

TOM (Disappointed) Yes, Milord.

ARTHUR You will run behind the lines and hide in a tent till it is over. Then you will return to your home in England. Alive. To grow up and grow old. Do you understand

TOM Yes, Milord.

ARTHUR And for as long as you live you will remember what I, the King, tell you; and you will do as I command. TOM (No longer disappointed) Yes, Milord. Side 4 (Arthur, Guenevere)

Setting: The King's Study in rarly evening ten years after ARTHUR and GUENEVER have met. They are happy, Camelot is flourishing, but ARTHUR feels that something that is something more they can accomplish. GUENEVERE is at a tapestry easel working with needle and thread. ARTHUR is standing next to her, in the midst of some soul searching. ARTHUR That's it! It's the armor! I missed that before. Of course! Only knights are rich enough to bedeck themselves in armor. They can declare war when it suits them, go clodhopping about the country slicing up peasants and foot soldiers, because peasants and foot soldiers are not equipped with armor. All that can happen to a knight is an occasional dent. (He takes a long run to the fireplace) Proposition: Wrong or right, they have the might, so wrong or right, they're always right – and that's wrong. Right?

GUENEVERE Absolutely.

ARTHUR (Excitedly) Is that the reason Merlyn helped me to win? To take all this might that's knocking about the world and do something with it. But what?

(Excitement lost, he deflates) You see, Jenny? I'm still not a king. I win every battle and accomplish nothing. When the Greeks won, they made a civilization. I'm not creating any civilization. I'm not even sure I'm civilized

GUENEVERE (Tenderly) Dear Arthur. You mustn't belabor yourself like this. Let us have a quiet dinner, and after, if you like, you can stroll again.

ARTHUR Bless you. (He takes her hand, kisses her, rises and moves to exit. Then he stops and turns) Jenny, suppose we create a new order of chivalry?

GUENEVERE Pardon?

ARTHUR A new order, a new order, where might is only used for right, to improve instead of destroy. And we invite all knights, good or bad, to lay down their arms and come and join. Yes! (Growing more and more excited) We'll take one of the large rooms in the castle and put a table in it, and all the knights will gather at the table.

GUENEVERE And do what?

ARTHUR Talk! Discuss! Make laws! Plan improvements!

GUENEVERE Really, Arthur, do you think knights would ever want to do such a peaceful thing?

ARTHUR We'll make it a great honor, very fashionable, so that everyone will want to be in. And the knights of my order will ride all over the world, still dressed in armor and whacking away. That will give them an outlet for wanting to whack. But they'll whack only for good. Defend virgins, restore what's been done wrong in the past, help the oppressed. Might for right. That's it, Jenny! Not might is right. Might for right!

GUENEVERE It sounds superb.

ARTHUR Yes. And civilized. (Calls) Page (To GUENEVERE) We'll build a whole new generation of chivalry. Young men, not old, burning with zeal and ideals. (The PAGE enters) Tell the heralds to mount the towers. And to have their trumpets. And assemble the Court in the yard. Send word there is to be a proclamation.

PAGE Yes, Your Majesty! (He exits)

GUENEVERE Arthur, it will have to be an awfully large table! And won't there be jealousy? All your knights will be claiming superiority and wanting to sit at the head.

ARTHUR Then we shall make it a round table so there is no head.

GUENEVERE (Totally won) My father has one that would be perfect. It seats a hundred and fifty. It was given to him once for a present, and he never uses it.

ARTHUR (Suddenly doubting) Jenny, have I had a thought? Am I at the hill? Or is it only a mirage? (The PAGE enters)

PAGE The heralds await, Your Majesty. Shall I give the signal, Your Majesty?

ARTHUR No, wait I may be wrong. The whole idea may be absurd. If only Merlyn were here! He would have known for certain. (Disparagingly) Knights at a table ...

GUENEVERE (Correcting him) A round table.

ARTHUR (Corrected) Round table. Might for right, a new order of chivalry, shining knights gallivanting around the countryside like angels in armor, sword-swinging apostles battling to snuff out evil! Why, it's naive ... it's adolescent... it's juvenile ... it's infantile ... it's folly ... it's ... it's ...

GUENEVERE It's marvelous.

ARTHUR Yes, it is. It's marvelous. Absolutely marvelous.